Satsang began in Leicester in 1970 with a small group of dedicated devotees blessed by Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj who visited the city in June 1970 for two days. In July 1977, a small Hari Mandir was consecrated at 148 Doncaster Road by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. In 1980, a property was acquired in the city centre where the new mandir was opened.

The satsang community in Leicester has developed since then, and now plans are underway to open a new mandir.

On Saturday 26 July 2008, Kothari Bhaktipriya Swami performed the Bhumi Pujan ceremony with Vedic rituals at the new site for the proposed BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Complex on Gipsy Lane in Leicester.

In the assembly that followed the Mahapuja ceremony in which over 700 devotees participated, Yogvivek Swami read and elaborated upon the letter of blessings sent by Pramukh Swami Maharaj for this auspicious occasion.

Swamishri gave blessings that such a Mandir Complex would be open to all, and would enable thousands of people to lead a pure and pious life, and to preserve our rich cultural and spiritual values.

After felicitation of the special yajmans, Kothari Swami spoke about the significance of such a mandir taking shape in the heart of the community.